Escalante Canyons Art Festival celebrates 20 years of art
Nestled in the heart of the Grand Staircase Escalante Monument’s Umber and Sienna sandstone layers lies the rural community of Escalante, Utah, home to the first Escalante Canyons Art Festival. ECAF was founded in 2003 at the suggestion of a friend, Steve Roberts, who was vacationing at Lake Powell. He was assisted by Harriet Priska, who laid the first layer as a foundation for future artists and dealers to enjoy this rich and diverse landscape.
Steve and Harriet observed other art festivals, then organized and recruited new artists. In 2003, 20 artists participated. In attendance for the opening of the event were family members of Everett Reuss, an iconic artist who was a focus of the festival’s early years.
Over the years, each new colorful layer has added local youth artists, increased outdoor competitions, expanded exhibitions, increased venues for workshops and talks in neighboring communities, and highlighted local artists and an artist in residence. This year celebrates all of that and more.
From September 20 to 29, 2024, there will be plein air (or open air) and studio competitions, art exhibitions, on-site sales, workshops, demonstrations, a craft fair, live music and guided walks.
Standard registration for Plein Air and Studio, as well as five optional competitions, will take place July 1 through September 3. For more information, including registration options and participant details, visit escalantecanyonsartfestival.org.
Join us in celebrating 20 years of art and enriching this new level of “place-inspired art” with your own experiences.
